Five Years Wasted Now They Beg Her Back novel Chapter 169

Veronica watched Grace, who was now the center of everyone’s attention.

The woman maintained a faint smile, responding to each of the powerful men with a calm and confident demeanor.

That composure and self-assurance couldn’t be faked.

With a crash, the wine glass in Veronica’s hand slipped and shattered on the floor.

Red wine splattered onto her couture gown, leaving an ugly stain.

“Veronica, what’s wrong?”

Marianne rushed over when she heard the noise, only to freeze at the sight.

The “penniless daughter-in-law” she had always looked down on was now engaged in a lively conversation with Mr. Grant—and he was even leaning in slightly to hear her speak.

“Mr. Grant… what is…”

Marianne tried to interrupt.

Mr. Grant waved his hand impatiently.

“Mrs. Clarke, I’m consulting Dr. Hart about T-cell targeted therapy. This is a matter of national importance. Please do not disturb us!”

Marianne was so taken aback she couldn’t say a word, her face flushing a deep red.

Just then, Damien returned.

He stood on the edge of the crowd, a smile playing on his lips as he watched his wife surrounded by magnates.

He walked over to the ashen-faced Veronica and looked down at her.

“Miss Hale, do you see now?”

Veronica’s lips trembled, but she couldn’t form a response.

The atmosphere in the ballroom was feverish, almost surreal.

Who was Mr. Grant?

He was a titan of the national medical field, a man the president had to schedule an appointment to see.

Yet here he was, like an eager student, having even taken out a small notebook to jot down everything Grace said.

“Dr. Hart, about the viability of those T-cells, how long can it be maintained…?”

Grace’s expression was calm, her voice cool and professional. “In a controlled environment, up to seventy-two hours. That’s the core breakthrough of our new drug.”

“Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!”

Mr. Grant exclaimed, slapping his thigh in excitement.

Hearing this was worse than being slapped twice for Marianne.

Marianne took a deep breath, pushed through the crowd, and forced her way in front of Grace.

“What good are academic achievements?”

The lively atmosphere instantly went cold.

Mr. Grant frowned, annoyed by this tactless Clarke family matriarch.

Grace stopped talking and looked at Marianne calmly. “Is there something I can help you with, Mrs. Clarke?”

Marianne sneered, looking Grace up and down.

“Help you? I wouldn’t dare. The great Dr. Hart is the woman of the hour. How could I, her mother-in-law, possibly presume to offer advice?”

She emphasized the words “mother-in-law,” but there was no warmth in her tone.

“But Dr. Hart, you’re so successful out here in the world. Why don’t you take care of your own family, who are so poor they’re practically begging?”

The color drained from Grace’s face instantly.

Seeing Grace’s expression change, Marianne felt a surge of triumph and raised her voice even louder.